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Johnny Rad wrote:The Red brakes are also good stuff, but I just switched back from Yokozuna brake cables to OEM brake cables. It might've been an installation issue, but my brakes weren't springing back to the full open position.

I had the same problem with my Yokos and Campy Record caliper brakes (non-skeleton). Most noticeably the rear. Could have installed it wrong, but I got the feeling that the return spring tension on the Campy brakes simply wasn't powerful enough to push the heavy-duty Yoko brake housings back to center quickly. That said, I switched to KCNC CB-1s, and the problem appears to be solved (on the bike stand at least, as I still haven't finished my build).

Whereas the diameter of the Michelin A1 latex tube is "oversized," it's quite the opposite with Challenge. The tighter fitting Challenge tubes made for a much simpler install. Ride report? They hold air, so I'm going to say they're "as advertised."

P.S. Next up, I'll try to jettison a quarter of a pound to hit 12.999lbs. What do I see in my crystal ball? Maybe a new brakeset with Powercordz brake cables. Probably a new DA7900 cassette, too. So many goodies. So little remaining $$$.

Last edited by Johnny Rad on Tue May 03, 2016 3:51 am, edited 3 times in total.

Q: Where can you find free weight savings without resorting to a dremel? A: Remove unnecessary components.

Exhibit 1 - Removal of headlight attachment from bar for 15g savings.

My sub-6kg Addict is once again "legal" at 5999.9g give or take a few tenths.

> > > > > > > >

Update: Far And Near Chain Catcher

I had to swap out the Far And Near chain catcher bolt for a longer one. The Far And Near bolt was only engaging the first 3 or 4 threads on the FD hanger, which was allowing the FD to twist under shifting. It took awhile to identify it as the culprit, but now I'm good to go.

Swapped the DA7800 12x27 cassettes on both wheelsets for SRAM Red 1090 11x26 cassettes, saving an estimated 34g per wheelset.

Swapped the basic Jagwire brake cables for Alligator I-Link brake cables, saving an estimated 20g. This part gave my bike mechanic gray hairs! I owe him big for sticking with it. He apparently had issues getting the cable into my Red shifters, so he mixed and matched various cable parts to make it work to his satisfaction.

Swapped the Kestrel EMS Pro/SL 26.0x40cm bar (180g for this one and 173g for my previous) for a Schmolke 26.0x40cm (161g), saving a verified 19g.

Swapped the Lizard Skins DSP tape for Lizard skins DSP Race tape, saving an estimated 2g. This has to be the most disappointing “upgrade” that I’ve made.

Swapped the OEM bolt (3g) on the cable guide under the BB for an Al bolt (2g), saving a massive and verified 1g. Thanks to mdeth1313 for that "one!"

Swapped the KMC X10SL silver chain for a gold one. No weight savings and it might be too over the top for me. We’ll see.

What’s awfully interesting is the verified weight difference of 109g between my Reynolds Assaults (46mm depth) and Attacks (32mm depth). The wheelsets have the same hubs, same tubes and same tires although those on the Attacks have 1-1.5K miles on them. Reynolds used to advertise that the difference between the two wheelsets was a mere 20-30g, but are now saying it’s 75g. The latter seems to match my current reality, but a search of my ’09 posts indicates the former was true. Hmm.

Bike pics and ride report to follow tomorrow if the weather holds.

Last edited by Johnny Rad on Sat May 07, 2016 4:55 am, edited 2 times in total.

100mi later and all is good. Two thumbs up to my bike store! I'm ready for LOTOJA.

* Alligator I-Links: Surprisingly, these are taking some time to get used to. It feels like I've traded modulation for increased braking power. That said, I really don't think my SRAM Red brakes are any more powerful. In other words, the brakes just engage more quickly with a significantly firmer brake lever feel. There's nothing squishy about them. One of my riding partners said it sounds like I'm describing a hydraulic mtn bike brake. => The jury is still out on these, but I think they'll be fine once I adjust mentally.

* Lizard Skins DSP Race Tape: I find the thinner tape not as sticky and not as comfortable. It's as sticky or more so than Fizik Microtex, but not nearly as much as the standard fare DSP tape. Also, being thinner (1.8mm vs 2.5mm), the Race tape doesn't offer the same level of padding. It was noticeable. If and when I replace tape, I'm going back to the thicker Race Tape and only sacrificing 1-3g in doing so. I'll offset it with some trick carbon bar plugs or something like that! => DSP Race Tape is fine, but DSP Tape is better.

* SRAM Red cassette: What's all the fuss with the noise they make?! I was pretty nervous beforehand, but am delighted to say cassette-related noise wasn't an issue at all. Every once and awhile, I could hear a unique hollow sound on shifts. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known it was there at all. I'm running a new KMC X10SL chain, which some WW members have said runs quieter. => SRAM Red cassette is a big winner.

* Tune / BTP shifter clamps, Schmolke bar and cables (Alligator brakes and Yokozuna shift): Good to go functionally, but the bar has too much reach for me and am going back to my Kestrel. There goes a healthy 19g savings, which I'll have to address! Bummer. [Bar sold - thanks!] => Bar fit not withstanding, it all worked fine together.

Last edited by Johnny Rad on Tue May 03, 2016 3:52 am, edited 3 times in total.

...so, the Kestrel bar went back on today and the Schmolke needs to find a new home. I should've known better with the Schmolke's longer reach, but admit that I was blinded by the whopping .04lb / 19g savings. Ha! If you're going to ride the bike, I think you'll agree that fit has to trump WW-ism.